LocationsWorld Malaria Day 2025 – Vanuatu’s Journey to a Malaria-Free Future
April 24, 2025
Indoor residual spraying in Santo, Vanuatu.
Malaria has long been a major public health concern in Vanuatu. There has been a drastic increase in the number of confirmed cases of malaria, from 413 in 2021 to 1,995 in 2023. This increase is similar to levels not seen since 2013, with the COVID-19 pandemic and two category five hurricanes in 2023 making matters worse.
The dynamics of malaria transmission have also been affected by variations in rainfall patterns. However, there is cause for celebration; in 2017, the province of Tafea, located in the southern part of the country, was declared malaria-free, with no malaria-related deaths since 2011. But the fight is not over yet.
How do we eliminate Malaria in Vanuatu?
As the sun rises over Vanuatu’s lush volcanic landscapes, we gather to observe World Malaria Day with a renewed purpose and optimism. This year's theme, "Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite," resonates deeply within our communities, reflecting a collective commitment to fight malaria through innovative strategies and robust community engagement.
Reinvesting in Health Infrastructure and Unlocking New Potential
In response to these challenges, the Malaria-Free Vanuatu Programme, supported by the Global Fund and implemented by UNDP, is set to unlock new potentials in our fight against malaria. The program aims to prevent the re-establishment of malaria transmission in previously affected provinces and achieve zero indigenous cases by 2028, with the goal of certification as malaria-free by -World Health Organisation (WHO) by 2031.
Significant investments have been made in malaria prevention and treatment initiatives. For instance, the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal bed-nets reached 100 percent in 2024 through mass campaigns. Bed-nets are essential in reducing the malaria burden and serve as a core preventive tool for those at risk. Additionally, the program emphasises decentralising malaria response to provincial levels, enhancing community engagement, and implementing targeted strategies to swiftly deplete the parasite reservoir in high-risk areas.
This reinvestment not only focuses on reducing malaria cases but also strengthens our overall healthcare system, ensuring that communities are better equipped to tackle future health challenges.
Bed net distribution in Santo province in Vanuatu.
Reimagine: Innovative Strategies for a Malaria-Free Vanuatu
Reimagining UNDP’s approach involves leveraging innovative tools and strategies to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination. Given Vanuatu's vulnerability to natural disasters, integrating malaria prevention and case management into disaster preparedness activities is crucial. This integration ensures the continuity of malaria services during crises, maintaining momentum toward elimination goals.
To enhance national malaria programme, UNDP collaborates to improve health information management and build human resource capacity. By refining data collection and analysis and training the healthcare workers, we aim to ensure effective surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria cases.
This year, we are updating the national malaria strategic plan to address emerging challenges, optimise resource allocation, incorporating new technologies and treatments. These advancements promise to make early detection and treatment more accessible, especially in remote areas, thereby reducing the malaria burden and saving lives.
Reignite: Collaborative Efforts to Eliminate Malaria
Reigniting the fight against malaria requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. Vanuatu is fostering partnerships with local communities, healthcare providers, and international organisations to build equitable and sustainable malaria control programs.
UNDP, in partnership with WHO, is facilitating the establishment of the Malaria Elimination Steering Committee, which meets quarterly with stakeholders, including the Global Fund, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Vanuatu Red Cross Society.
Integrated malaria community response with Ministry of Health, Vanuatu Red Cross, WHO, UNDP and other government agencies.
A call for action
Through these collaborations, UNDP aims to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, reigniting hope as we work towards achieving zero indigenous malaria cases in Vanuatu.
World Malaria Day 2025 encapsulates the spirit of "Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite." Through collaborative efforts and community-driven initiatives, Vanuatu is tackling the challenges posed by malaria while fostering a culture of resilience and empowerment. Together, we are forging a path towards a healthier future, united in the belief that with commitment and innovation, malaria can be eliminated.